There is something truly transformative about the British summer. When the sun hangs low in the sky, casting long, dramatic shadows across the Tupgill Park Estate, the Labyrinth and its many secrets take on an entirely different energy.

We are thrilled to announce that The Forbidden Corner will be staying open late again during the school summer holidays. Whether you are a regular explorer or a first-time visitor, these extended hours offer a unique way to experience the four-acre garden of statues, grottoes, and underground tunnels.

More Magic, Same Price

The best part? These extra hours come at no additional cost. Your standard day ticket now stretches further, giving you more time to get lost (and hopefully found) without feeling the rush.

By visiting during the summer late openings, you can take full advantage of:

• The “Golden Hour”: The shifting light through the trees and across the stone carvings creates an incredible atmosphere and even better photos for budding photographers.
• Cooler Temperatures: Enjoy the trek through the woods and the climb up the towers on milder evenings.
• A Relaxed Pace: With the day stretching out before you, there’s no need to hurry through the Mausoleum or skip the picnic.
• The Play Park: Let your kids run around longer to burn off that summer energy!

Fuel Your Adventure

An evening of exploring requires plenty of energy. To ensure you can stay fueled while you uncover every hidden door and water squirter, our on-site dining will be extending its service right along with the park.

• The Corner Café: Whether you’re after a quick refreshment or a more substantial bite, The Corner Café will serve its full range of snacks and drinks later into the evening.
• The Tower: For those looking to take a break with a view, the Tower will remain open to keep the coffee flowing and the ice cream coming.
• The Potting Shed: Near the Playpark to keep you and the kids stocked on Coffee, slush, and Ice-Cream.

Plan Your Summer Visit

We can’t wait to see the gardens come alive under the summer twilight. Be sure to check our booking calendar for specific late-opening dates, as they are expected to fill up fast.

Grab your tickets, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare to see the strangest garden and folly in England in a whole new light. We’ll see you on the terrace.

The gates of Forbidden Corner have a mind of their own. For most of the year, The Forbidden Corner is a place of wonder and whimsy, but as the shadows lengthen and the air turns cold, something else wakes up.

We are terrified (and thrilled) to officially announce that The Forgotten Corner is returning for 2026.

📅 THE DATES

Mark your calendars and prepare your nerves for:
OCTOBER 2026

16-17-23-24-30-31*

*Tickets are not yet on sale, but make sure you follow the Forgotten Corner on TikTok and Facebook to be the first to know when tickets go live. If you haven’t followed yet, now is the time.*

WHAT IS THE FORGOTTEN CORNER?

If you thought the Labyrinth was tricky in the daylight, you haven’t seen anything yet. The Forgotten Corner is our premier adult-only horror experience. We take the strange statues, the hidden tunnels, and the twisting paths of our 4-acre garden and turn them into a living nightmare.

Expect live actors, immersive soundscapes, and jump scares that take full advantage of the park’s unique architecture. In the Corner, the walls don’t just have ears—they have teeth.

WHAT’S LURKING IN 2026?
We’re stepping up the intensity for this cycle. We have new characters, new themes, and a host of returning characters. Mr and Mrs Harold, anyone?

We’ve also heard rumours of new residents being added to the Mausoleum, a place where your own heartbeat might just be your worst enemy. Stay tuned; the nightmare is only just beginning to take shape.

FOLLOW THE BREADCRUMBS

Don’t miss a single update. We’ll be dropping “Leaks” and character spotlights across our social channels over the coming months.

*Warning: The Forgotten Corner is an intense horror event. Please check our official event page for age restrictions and safety warnings before booking.*

From May 5th to May 22nd, 2026
Valid Monday to Friday (Excluding Weekends & Bank Holidays)

Spring is fully underway, the gardens are in bloom, and the statues are whispering… It’s the
perfect time to get lost. This May, we’re inviting you to experience the magic of The Forbidden
Corner with an exclusive midweek discount.

Peace, Quiet, and Hidden Passageways
While our weekends are often buzzing with energy, the midweek vibes in May are something truly
special. By visiting during the week, you avoid the peak crowds, giving you the freedom to explore
at your own pace.

If you have younger children, this is the ultimate window. No rushing
through the Labyrinth or waiting for a turn at the water features. Your little
adventurers can toddle their way to marvel at every sight without the hustle and bustle.
If you’re looking for that perfect, natural shot or the quirky candid moment of a statue, the midweek lull
is your best friend. With fewer people in your frame, you have the time and space to
set up your angle and capture the mystery exactly as it was meant to be seen.

The Ultimate Digital Detox
Calling all students and young adults: feeling the burnout of screens, notifications, and endless
scrolling? We’ve got the cure. The Forbidden Corner is one of the few places left where your
phone becomes irrelevant (except, perhaps, for a quick snap of the “Man Bag”).
Lose yourself… literally… in our four-acre garden. There are no maps here, so go and get lost… in a good way.
Switch your phone to ‘Do Not Disturb,’ tuck it into your pocket, and reconnect with the physical
world. It’s a chance to challenge your brain, navigate the strange, and enjoy a day of “real-world”
exploration that a TikTok feed just can’t replicate.

Plan Your Escape
We are open every day, but this offer is valid only on weekdays from May 5th to May 22nd. Whether you’re a local looking for a quirky afternoon out or a student needing a break from revision, our 20% discount makes it easier than ever to step through the gate.
Note: This promotion excludes Bank Holidays and weekends. Pre-booking is essential as spaces are limited!

Our “Great Dragon Egg Quest” brought out the bravest explorers and most promising young sorcerers from across the land. If you missed out (or just want to relive the adventure), here’s a recap of the enchantment that unfolded.

The Quest: Unleashing the Magic

The challenge was set, Ember the Dragon had hidden three giant, mystical eggs deep within our folly. These weren’t your average chocolate eggs; each was a huge, vibrant dragon’s egg! Each one also held a vital fragment of an ancient incantation!

Families braved the labyrinth, navigating through the Temple of the Underworld to track them down. Watching everyone piece together the full spell was a highlight for us; there’s nothing quite like the sound of a hundred “words of power” being spoken around the grounds!

Meeting the Masters of Magic

Once the spell was mastered, explorers headed to St Cuthbert’s to meet Rolmi, our Dragon Trainer, for a quick progress check.

Once complete, it was time for the main event: an audience with Stoln Cairngorm, the Grand Wizard.

Stepping into the Wizard’s chamber and seeing his chest filled with hundreds of chocolate eggs was a wonder for any onlooker. Those whose spells were spoken correctly were granted access to the enchanted chest and were able to take a well-earned chocolate treasure!

To top it all off, our resident Knight, Sir Kastor Telford, was on hand to guide everyone safely through the graveyard and back to the froggy fountain, ensuring the adventure ended with big smiles and even bigger stories.

If you joined us this Easter, we loved having you. If you missed the Wizard, Dragon Trainer, or Knight, remember they will be back in June for Wizard Weekend, 27th and 28th!

We’ve designed our new membership to be the ultimate key to the gardens. Whether you’re a local adventurer or a family looking for the perfect weekend escape, here is why you’ll want to join our membership.

Unlimited Exploration

The best part of membership? Unlimited visits. For 12 months from the date of purchase, you can drop in as often as you like during our regular open season (April–December). Whether it’s a quick weekday wander or a full day of family fun, the gates are always open for you. Please note that a booking is still required, but your unique code allows you to book again and again!

The Perks (There are lots of them!)

Being a member isn’t just about entry; it’s about the extra magic. Here’s what you get:

• Bring the Whole Crew: Invite up to 5 guests per visit and get 10% off their tickets when you book together.
• Eat & Shop for Less: Enjoy 10% off at the Corner Café, the Gift Shop, and even the Saddle Room Restaurant and White Goose Pizzeria.
• Exclusive Event Access: Get first dibs and special discounts on selected ticketed events throughout the year.
• Stay in Style: Keep an eye out for our member-only offers on Tupgill Park cottages and B&B rooms.

It Pays for Itself

We like to keep things simple: if you visit just three times in a year, your membership has already paid for itself.

• Adults: £57
• Seniors: £54
• Children: £51

Already visited us recently?

If you’ve visited in the last 30 days and realised you’re not ready for the adventure to end, you can actually deduct the cost of your original ticket from your new membership! Just enter your booking reference at checkout.

Ready to start your year of discovery? Head over to our Membership Page to grab yours today. We can’t wait to see you back in the gardens (again, and again, and again!).

There is a special kind of magic that lives at the Forbidden Corner. It hides in the very woodwork of the building. Last week, we were in the attic sorting things out, and we found that some magic had crept into our vintage typewriter, which is heavy, ink-stained, and faintly smells of adventures past.

We decided to bring it down and see what the magic can do.

Introducing: The Monthly Dispatch

Starting this month, our enchanted typewriter will be churning out a monthly newsletter. Think of it as a parchment letter delivered with the speed of a magical lightning bolt. Inside each edition, you’ll find:

• Whispers & News: The latest updates from our world, freshly typed and magically transmitted.
• The Monthly Look-Back: A highlight of the moments that made us smile.
• Secret Spoils: Exclusive offers and discounts for our loyal subscribers.
• The Enigma: A monthly riddle to sharpen your mind from the Grand Wizard Stoln Cairngorm. (Warning: some riddles may require a bit of lateral thinking, and he doesn’t give us the answers until the following month, so we are scratching our heads, too)

A Quest to the Forbidden Corner

Every subscriber on our list will be entered into a prize draw to win a family ticket to The Forbidden Corner. If you’ve never been, imagine a place where the statues tell secrets, and the way to go is never quite so obvious.

No spam, no fluff, just pure wonder.

Only once a month, we will send you our newsletter, in time for you to take advantage of the month ahead.

Subscribe below to receive the magical mail!

We’re offering an Early Bird 10% Discount on all standard visits for the entire year ahead! Whether you’re planning a sunny spring outing or a cosy autumn weekend, now is the time to get it on the calendar.

The Details

• The Deal: 10% off your booking.
• Travel Dates: Valid for visits between March 28th and December 20th, 2026.
• Booking Window: You must book before the clock strikes midnight on February 28th.

Our 2026 Calendar at a Glance

To help you plan your trip, keep these scheduling notes in mind:

• Peak Season: We are open throughout the week from March through October.
• Late Season: In November and December, we shift to weekends only, perfect for a quick winter day out.
• Exclusions: Please note that this promotion applies to standard visits and does not include tickets for our special seasonal events, such as “The Forgotten Corner.”

How to Claim Your Discount

Saving on your next visit is simple. Head over to our booking page, pick your dates, tickets needed and enter the following code at checkout to apply 10% off the whole thing:

PROMO CODE: FCFEB26

Don’t wait too long, this offer vanishes at the end of February! We can’t wait to see you back here for another incredible season.

The decorations are coming down, the last remnants of tinsel have been swept away, and the festive songs have been replaced with our usual playlist. Yet, even as we move into the New Year, the warmth of this past Christmas season is still glowing brightly here.

We have just wrapped up what can only be described as a truly magical few weeks. We always love Christmas, but this year felt extra special. The atmosphere was exciting, and the laughter filled the air. Seeing so many happy faces, from toddlers to grandparents, reminded us exactly why we do what we do. It was a season of pure joy, and we enjoyed every single second of hosting you.

Santa and his elf drop off a present for the Woodsman

One of the highlights of the month was definitely our Christmas Quiz Trail. It was wonderful seeing families bundled up in hats and scarves, clutching clue sheets in hand, as they explored the grounds with such determination!

But the real star of the gardens was, of course, our resident “reindeer,” Folly. For those of you who managed to track them down, you know that Folly (our wonderfully enthusiastic team member in a fantastic costume) was enjoying themselves in St Cuthbert’s, ready with a mischievous wave or a hoof-bump for the successful explorers. The delight of all when Folly was spotted was absolutely priceless; both kids and adults were in hysterics.

Folly the Reindeer in St Cuthbert’s Reindeer Stables

However, the pinnacle of the Christmas magic was the enchanting journey to Santa’s Grotto. We didn’t want it to just be a visit; we wanted it to be an experience from start to finish.

The adventure began with meeting the keeper of the most important book in the world: Peppermint the Elf. Peppermint took their job very seriously, diligently checking everyone was on the “Nice List.” (We are delighted to report that we didn’t have a single Naughty List visitor!)

Once approved by Peppermint, guests were given the warmest of welcomes by Mrs Claus, who ushered families into the cosy Grotto itself to visit with Santa. Watching the children’s eyes widen as they stepped inside was the definition of Christmas magic.

We would like to extend a massive thank you to everyone who visited us this December. Thank you for bringing your energy, your smiles, and your festive spirit. You made our Christmas season unforgettable, and we are already dreaming up ways to make next year even more magical.

Happy New Year to you all!

Santa, Mrs Claus and Peppermint played our board game